‘I am dreaming about gold at Tokyo Olympics’: Mary Kom

TIL Desk Sports/ MC Mary Kom won her sixth AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships title, the first woman in history to do so. The 35 year old broke into tears after defeating Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota in the 48kg title fight. Leading with powerful double rights combined with a swift counter left hook, Mary dismantled her opponent’s guard and dominated the bout with her swift counter punching and silken smooth footwork.

Each time the critics doubt her, Mary comes back with an even powerful jab to knock them out. With my experience I can manoeuvre bouts. I used to be very aggressive and at that time it helped my game. Aggression can be useful sometimes whereas it is not a necessary emotion most of the time. Also, anger spoils our game plan.

Therefore instead of focusing on aggression, I try to study the opponent and strategise my next move. Why simply fight in the ring as if the opponent is your enemy? That type of boxing is also not very pleasing to watch. Also, if I don’t show any aggression, it creates a good impression on the judges and referees.